Overview

This 6th grade math unit will span 4 weeks, focusing on building confident problem-solving skills in line with the North Carolina Essential Standards and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Grade 6 Mathematics. Lessons will include whole group hands-on activities (20 minutes), followed by differentiated small group work targeting each cluster of NC EOG standards, culminating in a comprehensive assessment and reteach week.

This plan uses “I can...” statements to promote student ownership and includes success criteria, differentiation strategies, dyslexia-friendly reading supports, and extension activities for advanced learners.

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Unit Alignment and Standards

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) & North Carolina EOG Focus

Grade 6 Math – Key Domains and Standards Addressed:

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships (6.RP)
• The Number System (6.NS)
• Expressions and Equations (6.EE)
• Geometry (6.G)
• Statistics and Probability (6.SP)

Sample North Carolina Standards:

• NC.M6.RP.1.1, NC.M6.NS.1.1, NC.M6.EE.1.1, NC.M6.G.1.1, NC.M6.SP.1.1
  (Referencing CCSS correlations for coherence)

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Week 1: Understanding and Using Ratios & Rates

Learning Objectives

• I can explain what a ratio is and write ratios from real-world situations.
• I can solve problems involving unit rates (e.g., miles per hour, price per item).

Success Criteria

• Student correctly writes ratios from word problems and visual models.
• Student calculates unit rates using tables and word problems.

Materials

• Ratio cards with pictures and numbers
• Whiteboards and markers
• Counters or small objects for hands-on ratio building

Whole Group Activity (20 minutes)

1. Hands-on Ratio Sorting: Using ratio cards, students will pair up and match ratios expressed in different formats (part-to-part, part-to-whole, fractions).
2. Demonstrate Unit Rate Interpretation: Using a visual scenario (e.g., 3 apples cost $6, what is the cost per apple?), model finding unit rates on the board.

Small Group (30 minutes) – Differentiated Based on NC EOG Standards

Group	Focus	Activities	Differentiation	Extension
Group 1 (Below Grade)	Write and understand ratios with support	Manipulatives + Guided worksheets with visual support	Use step-by-step ratio sentence frames; dyslexia-friendly fonts and colour overlays	Create their own ratio problems in drawing format
Group 2 (On Grade)	Calculate unit rates and solve word problems	Task cards with real-world problems, digital simulations on unit rates	Visual models, calculators for support	Introduce multi-step ratio problems
Group 3 (Advanced)	Compare ratios and solve complex problems	Challenge tasks involving ratio tables and proportion	Encourage peer teaching roles, self-explain prompts	Explore percent problems linked to ratios

Dyslexia-Friendly Supports

• Clear fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic font) on all printouts
• Colour-coded ratio parts for visual ease
• Verbal and written instructions presented simultaneously

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Week 2: Operations with Rational Numbers & Fractions

Learning Objectives

• I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and decimals.
• I can represent rational numbers and locate them on number lines.

Success Criteria

• Student accurately performs fraction operations with both visual models and numeric algorithms.
• Student identifies placement of positive and negative rational numbers on a number line.

Materials

• Number lines (large and small)
• Fraction strips and decimal grids
• Calculators (for checking answers)

Whole Group Activity (20 minutes)

• Fraction Operation Relay: Students work in pairs to solve fraction operation problems using physical fraction strips mapped to number lines; whole group review and error analysis follows.

Small Group (30 minutes) – Differentiated Activities Based on NC EOG Standards

Group	Focus	Activities	Differentiation	Extension
Group 1	Visual fraction operations	Use fraction strips and number line placement with guided practice	Chunked problems with visual cues, auditory aids	Introduce mixed fractions and improper fraction conversions
Group 2	Rational number operations	Solve multi-step fraction and decimal operation problems	Calculator use allowed with scaffolding	Solve word problems involving rational numbers
Group 3	Negative numbers introduction	Locate and operate with positive/negative rational numbers on number lines	Use number line anchor charts, real-life contexts	Explore integer patterns and properties

Dyslexia-Friendly Supports

• Step-by-step visual charts for operations
• Text-to-speech technology for word problem reading
• Simplified language instructions on worksheets

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Week 3: Expressions, Equations & Geometry Basics

Learning Objectives

• I can write and evaluate expressions involving variables.
• I can solve one-step equations and inequalities.
• I can understand basic properties of geometric figures, including plotting points and reflections.

Success Criteria

• Student correctly evaluates expressions and solves one-step equations.
• Student recognizes geometric transformations and plots points.

Materials

• Expression and equation cards
• Coordinate grids and geometric shape cutouts
• Whiteboards and markers

Whole Group Activity (20 minutes)

• Expression Matching Game: Students match equivalent expressions and verbally explain simplification. Hands-on plotting on coordinate grids to identify reflections.

Small Group (30 minutes) – Differentiated Activities

Group	Focus	Activities	Differentiation	Extension
Group 1	Evaluating expressions without variables and one-step equations	Guided practice solving with manipulatives (equation balance scales, blocks)	Use visual aids and vocabulary cards	Translate word problems into equations
Group 2	Introducing inequalities and basic coordinate geometry	Solve inequalities and plot points, identify reflections across axes	Interactive whiteboard use and peer support	Explore two-step equations and reflections
Group 3	Advanced expression simplification & geometric transformations	Challenge with multi-step equations and coordinate geometry problems	Encourage self-checking and peer-feedback	Extend to function mapping and complex transformations

Dyslexia-Friendly Supports

• Color-coded variable highlighting
• Simplified word problems with visual context clues
• Audio explanation of expression steps

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Week 4: Reteach & Assessment

Learning Objectives

• I can apply all learned skills to solve multi-step EOG style problems.
• I can explain my reasoning and justify solutions clearly.

Success Criteria

• Student successfully completes a comprehensive assessment with accuracy and strategy use.
• Student reflects on errors and understands correction steps.

Materials

• NC 6th Grade Math Released EOG style worksheet (Version 1)
• At-home practice worksheet (Version 2) with answer key
• Assessment rubric aligned to EOG scoring

Whole Group (20 minutes)

• Review toughest concepts identified from previous weeks using engaging error analysis games and peer discussions.

Small Group (35 minutes)

• Administer assessment independently
• Small groups for targeted reteach post-assessment focusing on common error patterns and individual needs

At-home Practice

• Send home version 2 of the assessment with clear answer keys for parent review and practice

Differentiation

• Extended time, simplified language, and guided small-group support during reteach
• Alternative assessment modes (oral explanations or manipulatives) for struggling learners

Dyslexia-Friendly Supports

• Text structured with bullet points and ample spacing
• Visual cues for problem types on assessment sheets
• Clear instructions with examples before assessment begins

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Maintain records of student responses during small groups to identify persistent misconceptions.
• Use manipulatives as concrete representations frequently, especially for below-grade learners.
• Encourage students to verbalize their thought process as a metacognitive tool.
• Celebrate successes with tangible feedback charts and positive reinforcement.
• Use peer teaching in differentiated groups to bolster confidence among all ability levels.

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Sample "I Can" Statements for Posters

• I can understand and write ratios.
• I can solve problems with fractions and decimals.
• I can evaluate and solve expressions and equations.
• I can plot points and understand basic geometry transformations.
• I can explain my math thinking clearly.

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This detailed plan integrates hands-on learning, differentiated instruction, dyslexia-friendly practices, and rigorous alignment to NC and Common Core standards, designed to build both confidence and competence in 6th grade math problem-solving.